Distributed luminaire beacon management

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, and systems for a light fixture are disclosed. One apparatus of a light fixture includes a sensor unit and a light intensity controller. The sensor unit includes a sensor operative to generate a sensed signal based on at least one of a sensed motion or light, a wireless communication circuitry operative to maintain a link with a network, and a controller. The controller is operative to manage communications with the network, manage receipt of a beacon through the wireless communication circuitry, wherein the beacon is received from an object and the beacon includes information associated with the object, and generate a dimming control based on at least one of the sensed signal and the communications from the network. The light intensity controller is configured to receive the dimming control and operative to adjust an intensity of emitted light of a light source of the light fixture.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of March 30, 2017, the entry into Chinese national phase date of November 16, 2018, the application number of 201780030677.1, and the invention name of "Distributed luminaire beacon management".

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This patent application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 549,830, filed November 21, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 691,562, filed November 30, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 874,331, filed September 2, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 584,444, filed September 5, 2009, which are incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The described embodiments relate generally to lighting. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to distributed luminaire beacon management. BACKGROUND

[0005] Lighting control systems automate lighting operations within a building or home based on, for example, preset schedules and / or occupancy and / or daylight sensing. Lighting systems often employ occupancy sensors and / or daylight sensors to determine which lighting devices to activate, deactivate, or adjust the light level of, and when to do so. Occupancy sensors typically sense the presence of one or more people within a defined area and generate a signal indicative of the presence. Daylight sensors typically sense the amount of daylight present within a defined area and generate a signal indicative of the amount. Typically, the lighting system receives the sensor signals at a central lighting controller.

[0006] Lighting systems are advantageous in that they often reduce energy costs by automatically reducing light levels, or turning off devices and appliances when they are not needed, and they can allow all devices in a system to be controlled from one location.

[0007] Centralized lighting systems can be disadvantageous because all decision making occurs at the controller. Thus, if the controller is not functioning, all lighting devices in the system are no longer under automatic control, and some or all of the lighting devices can, or even cannot, be manually operated. Similarly, if the connection to or from the controller is severed, the lighting devices served by that connection are no longer under automatic control, and can also be unable to be manually operated. Part or system wide functional changes, such as overriding current system settings for immediate needs (e.g., during a fire or other emergency), cannot be made from anywhere other than the controller. Furthermore, the scaling ability of a centralized system is limited. That is, adding new lighting devices to a centralized system is not easy.

[0008] Decentralized lighting systems solve many of the problems described above. However, a decentralized lighting system requires commissioning the lighting devices associated with the lighting system.

[0009] Commissioning is the process of configuring a lighting system. This includes configuring initial settings on the lighting devices, as well as obtaining and storing information about the physical location of the devices and their role in the lighting control topology.

[0010] It is desirable to have methods, systems, and apparatuses for distributed luminaire beacon management. SUMMARY

[0011] One embodiment includes a luminaire. The luminaire includes a sensor unit and a light intensity controller. The sensor unit includes a sensor operative to generate a sensed signal based on at least one of sensed motion or light, a wireless communication circuitry operative to maintain a link with a network, and a controller. The controller is operative to manage communications with the network; manage receipt of a beacon through the wireless communication circuitry, where the beacon is received from an object and the beacon includes information associated with the object; and generate a dimming control based on at least one of the sensed signal and the communications from the network. The light intensity controller is configured to receive the dimming control and is operative to adjust an intensity of emitted light of a luminaire of the luminaire.

[0012] Another embodiment includes a method of operating a luminaire. The method includes generating, by a sensor of the luminaire, a sensed signal based on at least one of sensed motion or light; maintaining a communication link between the luminaire and a network; managing communications with the network; managing receipt of a beacon through the wireless communication circuitry, where the beacon is received from an object and the beacon includes information associated with the object; generating a dimming control based on at least one of the sensed signal and the communications from the network; and adjusting a dimming control line of a luminaire of the luminaire based on the dimming control.

[0013] Other aspects and advantages of the described embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrated by way of example in the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 A plurality of luminaires transmitting beacons received by a mobile device is shown in accordance with one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 A luminaire is shown in accordance with one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 A luminaire is shown in accordance with another embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 is a flowchart including steps of a method of controlling a luminaire in accordance with one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 A luminaire is shown in accordance with one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 A luminaire is shown in accordance with another embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 A gateway is shown in accordance with one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 A distributed lighting control system including a logical group of luminaires and a central controller is shown in accordance with one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 is a flowchart including steps of a method of commissioning a luminaire in accordance with one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 A plurality of luminaires receiving beacons transmitted by a mobile device is shown in accordance with one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 A luminaire is shown in accordance with another embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 A luminaire is shown in accordance with another embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 is a flowchart including steps of a method of controlling a luminaire in accordance with another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 A plurality of luminaires transmitting beacons received by a device and a plurality of luminaires receiving beacons transmitted by a mobile device is shown in accordance with one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As shown in the figures, the described embodiments are implemented in apparatuses and methods for distributed luminaires that transmit beacons for objects to receive, or for distributed luminaires that receive beacons from objects. For one embodiment, the transmission of beacons is used for position determination of mobile devices and / or luminaires.

[0029] Figure 1 A plurality of luminaires that transmit beacons received by mobile device 130 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. More specifically, a subset of luminaires 110, 111, 112, 113 (110, 111, 113) transmit beacons received by mobile device 130. Mobile device 130 receives the beacons and, using at least some of the information included in the beacons, mobile device 130 estimates at least one of its own position and / or the position of one or more luminaires within structure 100.

[0030] For one embodiment, the power level of the signal transmitted from the luminaires is limited to be less than a threshold. By limiting the power level of the transmitted signal, the distance from which the transmitted signal can be received by mobile device 130 is limited. For example, for one embodiment, the transmitted signal includes a low power wireless signal. Due to the transmitted signal being low power, mobile device 130 only receives the beacons from the luminaires if mobile device 130 is within a limited range. For one embodiment, the power level of the transmitted signal is set to be equal to or lower than a threshold amount to ensure that the mobile device is within a specified range of the luminaires in order for the mobile device to receive the transmitted beacons. For example, as previously described and shown in Figure 1 FIG. 6, mobile device 130 can receive beacons transmitted from luminaires 110, 111, 113, but can not receive a beacon from luminaire 112 because mobile device 130 is outside the range of luminaire 112.

[0031] For at least some embodiments, the beacons include identification information that uniquely identifies the luminaire that transmitted the beacon. For one embodiment, the beacons include position information that includes position information of the transmitting luminaire. Based on the identification information and / or the position information of the transmitting luminaire, the mobile device is able to estimate its own position or the position of the luminaire that transmitted the received beacon.

[0032] For at least some embodiments, the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 manage transmission of the beacons. For one embodiment, the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 manage transmission of the beacons by transmitting the beacons only when the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 sense motion. That is, for example, each of the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 transmits the beacons only when motion, e.g., of a user and the mobile device 130, is sensed. This advantageously saves power consumed by the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 because the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 only transmit the power consuming beacons when a user is detected by motion detection.

[0033] For another embodiment, the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 transmit the beacons only when a location request is received from a mobile device by one or more of the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113. That is, for example, a mobile device transmits an "I am where" request. Upon receiving the request, the light fixture(s) that receive the request begin transmitting the beacons. Again, this embodiment saves power because the beacons are transmitted only when requested and only from the light fixtures that receive the request.

[0034] Figure 2 A light fixture 202 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. The light fixture 202 includes a sensor unit 230 and a light intensity controller 232. The sensor unit 230 includes at least one sensor, such as a light sensor 241, a motion sensor 242, a temperature sensor 243, a camera 244, and / or an air quality sensor 245, where the sensor operates to generate a sensed signal based on at least one of sensed motion or light. The light fixture 202 also includes a communication circuitry 250. The communication circuitry 250 operates to maintain a link with a network (the link can be wired or wireless). The light fixture 202 also includes a controller 235. For at least some embodiments, the controller 235 operates to manage communications with the network, manage transmission of beacons by the communication circuitry, and generate a dimming control based on at least one of the sensed signal and communications from the network. As described, for at least some embodiments, the beacons include information associated with the light fixture. The light intensity controller 232 is configured to receive the dimming control and operates to adjust an intensity of emitted light of a light source 240 of the light fixture 202.

[0035] As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the information within the transmitted beacons associated with the light fixture includes location information of the light fixture. For at least some embodiments, the information associated with the light fixture includes an identifier of the light fixture.

[0036] As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the sensor comprises a motion sensor, and wherein managing transmission of the beacon comprises triggering transmission of the beacon upon sensing motion by the motion sensor. For one embodiment, transmission of the beacon is triggered by sensing motion greater than a predetermined threshold. For at least some embodiments, the light fixture comprises a battery, wherein the battery provides power to the light fixture. Triggering the beacon under certain conditions, such as sensing motion, saves power over continuously transmitting the beacon. This is desirable for battery-powered light fixtures.

[0037] For at least some embodiments, managing transmission of the beacon comprises continuously transmitting the beacon over time.

[0038] As previously described, for at least some embodiments, managing transmission of the beacon comprises transmitting the beacon at a transmission signal power level less than a threshold level, wherein the transmitted beacon covers less than a predetermined area. By limiting the power level of the transmitted beacon, the range or distance from the light fixture at which a mobile device 130 can receive the beacon is limited. Thus, as a first approximation, the location of the mobile device can be assumed to be the location of the light fixture that transmitted the beacon. When the mobile device receives beacons from multiple light fixtures, the estimated location of the mobile device can be improved. For one embodiment, the beacon is transmitted using a low-power Bluetooth transceiver.

[0039] As previously described, for at least some embodiments, a plurality of other light fixtures transmit beacons at a transmission signal power level less than a threshold, such that the mobile device is able to receive the beacons from the light fixture and the other light fixtures and estimate a location of the mobile device, wherein estimating the location of the mobile device comprises measuring received signal strength of the received beacons, estimating distances between the mobile device and the light fixture and between the mobile device and each of the other light fixtures, and estimating the location by triangulating the estimated distances. For at least some embodiments, each of the light fixture and the other light fixtures transmits the beacon after sensing motion, thereby limiting how many light fixtures transmit the beacon.

[0040] As previously described, for at least some embodiments, managing transmission of the beacon comprises receiving a location request from the mobile device, and responding with transmission of one or more beacons. For at least some embodiments, the transmitted beacon comprises a location of the light fixture, and wherein the mobile device determines its location based on the location information of the light fixture. For at least some embodiments, the transmitted beacon comprises an identifier of the light fixture, and wherein the mobile device determines its location by determining the location of the light fixture based on the identifier. For example, for one embodiment, the mobile device accesses the location based on the identified and known location(s) of the light fixture(s). At least some embodiments further comprise supplementing the location determination with RSSI (received signal strength indicator) measurements between the mobile device and the light fixture.

[0041] For at least some embodiments, the luminaire is further operative to receive a broadcast message from the central controller, wherein receipt of the broadcast message places the luminaire in a known condition, wherein placing the luminaire in the known condition conveys to a user that the luminaire is ready for commissioning, establishes communication between the luminaire and the user's mobile device through a managed transmission of a beacon, and conveys to the central controller through the luminaire or the mobile device a location of the user at the time of the established communication, thereby allowing the central controller to record the location of the luminaire.

[0042] Figure 3 A luminaire according to another embodiment is shown. The example luminaire 300 (which can alternatively be referred to as a lighting control subsystem because of the multiple controls) includes a smart sensor system 302 interfaced with a high voltage manager 304, which is interfaced with a light source 340. The high voltage manager 304 includes a controller (manager CPU) 320, which is coupled to the light source 340, and to a smart sensor CPU 335 of the smart sensor system 302. As shown, the smart sensor CPU 335 is coupled to a communication interface 350, which couples the controller to external devices. The smart sensor system 302 additionally includes sensors 330. As indicated, the sensors 330 can include one or more of a light sensor 341, a motion sensor 342, and a temperature sensor 343, a camera 344, and / or an air quality sensor 345. It should be understood that this is not an exhaustive list of sensors. That is, additional or alternative sensors can be used for lighting and / or environmental control with the structure of the lighting control subsystem 300. The sensors 330 are coupled to the smart sensor CPU 335, and the sensors 330 generate sensed inputs. For at least one embodiment, at least one sensor is used to communicate with a mobile device.

[0043] According to at least some embodiments, the controllers (manager CPU 320 and smart sensor CPU 335) are operative to control a light output of the light source 340 based at least in part on the sensed inputs, and to convey at least one of a status or sensed information to external devices.

[0044] For at least some embodiments, the high voltage manager 304 receives a high power voltage and generates a power control for the light source 340 and a low voltage power supply for the smart sensor system 302. As suggested, the high voltage manager 304 and the smart sensor system 302 interact to control the light output of the light source 340 based at least in part on sensed inputs and to communicate at least one of a status or sensed information to an external device. The high voltage manager 304 and the smart sensor system 302 can also receive status or control information from the external device, which can influence the control of the light output of the light source 340. While the manager CPU 320 of the high voltage manager 304 and the smart sensor CPU 335 of the smart sensor system 302 are shown as separate controllers, it should be understood that for at least some embodiments, the two separate controllers (CPUs) 320, 335 can be implemented as a single controller or CPU.

[0045] For at least some embodiments, at least one of the (CPUs) 320, 335 manages the transmission of the beacon.

[0046] For at least some embodiments, the communication interface 350 provides a wireless link to an external device (e.g., a central controller, a mobile device, and / or other lighting subsystems or devices). In addition, for one embodiment, the communication interface 350 provides a means for the (CPUs) 320, 335 to control the transmission of the beacon.

[0047] Embodiments of the high voltage manager 304 of the lighting control subsystem 300 also include an energy meter (also referred to as a power monitoring unit) that receives power for the lighting control subsystem 300. The energy meter measures and monitors the power consumed by the lighting control subsystem 300. For at least some embodiments, the monitoring of the dissipated power provides an accurate monitoring of the dissipated power. Thus, if the manager CPU 320 receives a demand response from, for example, a power company (typically, a request from a power company during a period of high power demand), the manager CPU 320 can determine how well the lighting control subsystem 300 responds to the received demand response. Additionally or alternatively, the manager CPU 320 can provide an indication of how much energy (power) is being used or conserved.

[0048] Figure 4is a flowchart including steps of a method of controlling a light fixture according to one embodiment. A first step 410 includes generating a sensing signal based on at least one of sensed motion or light by a sensor of the light fixture. A second step 420 includes maintaining a communication link between the light fixture and a network. A third step 430 includes managing communications with the network. A fourth step 440 includes managing transmission of a beacon by a wireless communication circuit of the light fixture, wherein the beacon includes information associated with the light fixture. A fifth step 450 includes generating a dimming control based on at least one of the sensed signal and the communications from the network. A sixth step 460 includes adjusting a dimming control line of a light source of the light fixture based on the dimming control.

[0049] For at least some embodiments, the sensor includes a motion sensor, and wherein managing transmission of the beacon includes triggering transmission of the beacon when motion is sensed by the motion sensor.

[0050] For at least some embodiments, managing transmission of the beacon includes transmitting the beacon at a transmission signal power level that is less than a threshold level, wherein the transmitted beacon covers less than a predetermined area.

[0051] For at least some embodiments, a plurality of other light fixtures transmit beacons at a transmission signal power level that is less than the threshold, such that the mobile device is able to receive the beacons from the light fixture and the other light fixtures and estimate a location of the mobile device, wherein estimating the location of the mobile device includes measuring received signal strengths of the received beacons, estimating distances between the mobile device and the light fixture and between the mobile device and each of the other light fixtures, and estimating the location by triangulating the estimated distances.

[0052] For at least some embodiments, each of the light fixture and the other light fixtures transmits the beacon after sensing motion, thereby limiting how many light fixtures transmit the beacon.

[0053] For at least some embodiments, managing transmission of the beacon includes receiving a location request from the mobile device, and responding with transmission of one or more beacons, wherein the transmitted beacon includes a location of the light fixture, and wherein the mobile device determines its location based on the location information of the light fixture.

[0054] Figure 5A user commissions a lighting control system of luminaires 510 according to one embodiment is shown. For at least some embodiments, a user travels around the structure 500 and communicates with luminaires within the structure (e.g., luminaire 510) through a mobile device 530. The user or mobile device 530 identifies the location of the mobile device 530 when the mobile device 530 or user is in communication with a luminaire. For at least some embodiments, the user and mobile device 530 are physically located proximate to the luminaire 510 during communication with the luminaire 510. Thus, the location of the luminaire 510 can be approximated by the location of the user and / or mobile device 530. Once determined or approximated, the location of the luminaire 510 can be communicated to the central controller 520, where the central controller 520 logs the location of the luminaire 510 for future reference.

[0055] The described embodiments include various different embodiments of the central controller. For one embodiment, the central controller is a standalone server. For another embodiment, the central controller is a mobile device that can be carried and transported by a user. For yet another embodiment, the central controller is a mobile device that can be carried by a user and additionally synchronized with another central control device. For another embodiment, the gateway 550 and central controller 520 are combined into a single device that includes the functionality of both. For another embodiment, the central controller is included within one or more luminaires. That is, the controller can be included within a single luminaire or the functionality of the controller can be distributed among controllers within multiple luminaires.

[0056] For at least some embodiments, the commissioning process begins with the central controller 520 broadcasting a message that is received by one or more luminaires, such as luminaire 510. As shown, for one embodiment, the central controller 520 communicates with the luminaire 510 through the gateway 550. The communication channel between the central controller 520 and the gateway 550 can be wired or wireless. For one embodiment, the communication channel is an Ethernet connection. Further, the communication channel between the gateway 550 and the luminaires can be wired or wireless. It should be noted that for other embodiments, the commissioning process can be initiated by the luminaires themselves.

[0057] For one embodiment, the receipt of the broadcast places the luminaire 510 into a predetermined or known mode of operation. For one embodiment, the receipt of the broadcast message places the luminaire 510 into a known state, communicating to the user that the luminaire 510 is ready for commissioning. Once ready for commissioning, communication between the user or mobile device 530 and the luminaire 510 can be completed. For one embodiment, the receipt of the broadcast message enables the luminaire 510 to power cycle and dim, and further report a sensed light level corresponding to the power cycling.

[0058] When the light fixture 510 is ready to communicate, the mobile device 530 establishes communication with the light fixture. For one embodiment, the communication is initiated by the user's light emitting device generating a pulse of light (a flash). The light sensor of the light fixture 510 senses the pulsed light and then communicates back to the user 511 that the communication from the user 511 has been received. For one embodiment, the light fixture 510 communicates with the user using a visible (such as a light) indicator. Although this embodiment includes communication between the mobile device 530 (or user) by light, it should be understood that any method of communication can be used, including but not limited to audio, motion, and / or electromagnetic communication. This communication provides a way to establish the location of the light fixture based on the location of the user / mobile device.

[0059] Once the location of the light fixture 510 is determined or estimated, the location of the light fixture 510 is communicated to the central controller 520. For one embodiment, the user physically enters the location into the central controller 520. For another embodiment, the mobile device 530 automatically updates the central controller 520. For another embodiment, the light fixture 510 obtains its location information and updates the central controller. For another embodiment, the central controller 520 and the mobile device 530 are the same device that automatically updates its own database of light fixtures.

[0060] The location information can be determined in a variety of ways. The user can know that he / she is positioned within the structure. For one embodiment, the mobile device 530 includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and automatically determines the location of the mobile device 530. For at least some embodiments, the mobile device 530 determines the location of the mobile device 530 by triangulating received radio frequency (RF) signals from, for example, WiFi routers positioned in close proximity to the mobile device 530. By knowing the locations of the WiFi routers, the mobile device can approximate the location of the mobile device based on the known locations and the received signal strength of the RF signals of the WiFi routers.

[0061] Figure 6 A light fixture 610 of a lighting control system of a user commissioning a structure 600 is shown according to another embodiment. For this embodiment, a first communication link is established between the central controller 620 and the light fixture 610 and a second communication link is established between the mobile device 630 and the central controller 620. For one embodiment, the second communication link includes a direct WiFi (802.11) wireless link. For another embodiment, the second communication link includes an indirect link through a service provider 640. That is, for example, the mobile device 630 can establish a wireless (e.g., cellular) link with the service provider 640. The service provider 640 is then a network connected to the central controller 620.

[0062] Figure 7A gateway that debugs a lighting control system is shown in accordance with one embodiment. Embodiments for debugging a light fixture can be extended to also include debugging other devices of a lighting system, such as a gateway (such as gateway 740), a sensor (such as sensor system 780) (which can itself be a standalone device), and a switch.

[0063] For one embodiment, a gateway includes a simple pass through device that only converts from one communication medium to another communication medium. For a particular embodiment, a gateway converts messages from the IEEE 802.15.4 standard to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0064] For various embodiments, a switch includes any one or more of a control device, such as a wall switch, a tabletop remote, a cell phone, or a tablet.

[0065] As Figure 7 shown, several light fixtures 710, 760, 770 can determine their locations using the described embodiments. In addition, the light fixtures 710, 760, 770 communicate with, for example, gateway 740. For at least some embodiments, after the light fixtures 710, 760, 770 and / or sensor system 780 determine their locations, the light fixtures 710, 760, 770 and / or sensor system 780 transmit wireless messages that include their determined locations. The gateway 740 receives the wireless messages and can approximate the location of the gateway 740 by triangulating based on the locations of the light fixtures 710, 760, 770. That is, based on the received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) of the received wireless signals, the gateway 740 can approximate its distance from each of the light fixtures 710, 760, 770. In addition, based on the locations of each of the light fixtures 710, 760, 770 and / or sensor system 780 included within the received wireless messages, the gateway 740 can approximate its own location.

[0066] While Figure 7 only a single gateway 740 is shown, other embodiments include any number of gateways. Embodiments for location determination can be used to debug a gateway. In addition, embodiments include gateway discovery, where a central controller provides an IP address to one or more gateways. In addition, for at least some embodiments, the location determination of each gateway includes each gateway notifying the central controller when the gateway has received a message from at least one light fixture, where the message received from the at least one light fixture indicates that the at least one light fixture has received a communication from a user, where the central controller determines the location of the gateway based on the locations of the light fixtures.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, other lighting system devices can be debugged and also determine their locations.

[0068] As shown in the figure, in one embodiment, gateway 740 is a network connected to central controller 720. Furthermore, as previously described, in at least some embodiments, mobile (user) device 730 establishes a link to lighting fixture 710. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, user 712 uses central controller 720 to record the location of lighting fixtures in structure 700.

[0069] Sensor system 780 (which can be) Figure 3 The embodiment of the intelligent sensor system 302 can be used to provide additional information. For example, unlike luminaires 710, 760, and 770, the sensor system can be strategically positioned within the structure. For example, sensor system 780 may include a temperature sensor. By positioning sensor system 780 within the structure closer to the temperature experienced by the occupant, the temperature sensed by sensor system 780 more accurately represents the temperature experienced by the occupant. That is, luminaires 710, 760, and 770 are typically positioned on the ceiling of the structure, which does not allow for an accurate representation of the temperature experienced by the occupant within the structure.

[0070] Figure 8 A distributed lighting control system according to one embodiment is illustrated, comprising a logical group of luminaires 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, and 826 and a central controller 810. As described, in one embodiment, the central controller 810 can communicate with the luminaires 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, and 826 via a gateway 820. At least some embodiments of the lighting control system include multiple lighting control subsystems (each lighting control subsystem may include luminaires). Each lighting control subsystem can operate independently, operate in coordination with other lighting control subsystems (e.g., existing hardwired systems), and / or operate in coordination with the central controller. Thus, each lighting control subsystem can be installed independently and adapted accordingly for their operation.

[0071] As shown, luminaires 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826 can be organized, or they can organize themselves, into logical groups. Once included as part of a logical group, a luminaire can be controlled based on the state or sensed information of other luminaires within the logical group. Additionally, a logical group can be controlled collectively. For one embodiment, at least one logical group comprises a motion-sensing group. For one embodiment, at least one logical group comprises an ambient- environment-light group. For one embodiment, at least one logical group comprises a logical-switch group. For one embodiment, at least one logical group comprises a logical-temperature group. Further, logical groups can be defined by the properties of the structure in which the luminaires are located. For example, luminaires located within a hallway of a structure can be grouped, luminaires within a conference room, bathroom, or closet can be grouped as a logical group.

[0072] During commissioning, logical groups can be automatically assigned based on information determined during commissioning, such as location. Group properties can be selected based on location and type, such as hallway, office. Based on a map and known locations, logical groups can be intelligently and automatically assigned. Further, logical group formation can be influenced by the location of luminaires determined during commissioning.

[0073] As previously described, embodiments of the lighting control subsystem include a communication interface, a controller (listed in the discussion as a single controller, but as previously described, at least some embodiments include multiple controllers, such as the high-voltage manager 204 and the intelligent sensor CPU 235), a light source, a light sensor, and a motion sensor. For one embodiment, the light source is a lighting unit that includes one or more lamps, a socket(s) and components that hold the lamp(s) in place and protect them, wiring that connects the lamp(s) to a power source, and reflector(s) to help direct and distribute the light. Various embodiments of the light source include lamp technologies such as incandescent, fluorescent, and LED (light-emitting diode). Further, various embodiments of the light source are controllably turned on and off, and further controllably dimmed.

[0074] For at least some embodiments, the controller makes decisions about turning on, off, and dimming the luminaires. The controller performs this, for example, either due to commands from an external device, such as a central controller, or by processing decision rules using input from sensors, saved configurations, time of day, time elapsed from past sensor input, and / or according to states or sensor values from other subsystems. Additionally or alternatively, learned behavior can influence the decisions.

[0075] For at least some embodiments, the sensors sense (or measure) some physical quantity and convert it to a digital value. For one embodiment, the sensors are packaged with the controller. More specifically, for various embodiments of the lighting control subsystem, the plurality of sensors of the lighting control subsystem include: a motion sensor, a light sensor, and a temperature sensor located in the same physical module that is connected to other physical modules with cables. For one embodiment, the sensor(s) are physically located next to the light source, and the motion and light sensors are directed toward the floor of the structure in which the lighting control subsystem is located. For one embodiment, the sensor(s) are directly connected to the controller.

[0076] For one embodiment, the controller also operates to receive information from an external device, where the received information affects the current state of the lighting control subsystem, or the received information includes parameters that affect the future state of the lighting control subsystem. For one embodiment, the received information affects the lighting control subsystem profile. For one embodiment, the lighting control subsystem profile includes a set of values (parameters) that affect the operation of the controller in determining how to control the light output of the light source based on current and past sensor input, time of day or past times. For at least some embodiments, these parameters are updated adaptively.

[0077] For at least some embodiments, the controller operates to receive a plurality of lighting control subsystem profiles. That is, there can be more than one lighting control subsystem profile, and the lighting control subsystem profile can be updated adaptively. More specifically, the active profile or current profile of the plurality of lighting control subsystem profiles can be updated adaptively. In addition, for at least some embodiments, an external device can add, replace, or delete one or more profiles of the plurality of lighting control subsystem profiles.

[0078] Figure 9 is a flowchart of steps of a method of commissioning a luminaire according to one embodiment. A first step 910 includes receiving a broadcast message by the luminaire from a central controller, where receipt of the broadcast message places the luminaire in a known state. A second step 920 includes establishing communication between the luminaire and a user. A third step 930 includes communicating to the central controller by the luminaire or the user the location of the user at the time of the established communication, thereby allowing the central controller to record the location of the luminaire.

[0079] As described, for one embodiment, placing the luminaire in a known state communicates to the user that the luminaire is ready for commissioning. The communication with the user can be visual, audible, or communicated to the user in any available manner.

[0080] One embodiment also includes initiating a diagnosis of a lighting system of the luminaire. That is, different lighting system devices can communicate with each other over different communication channels. Through this communication, the lighting system devices can run a diagnosis to test, for example, that all electrical wiring has been properly completed, that sensors are working properly and that controllable systems (lights, etc.) are responding properly.

[0081] For one embodiment, the luminaire is part of a lighting system that includes other lighting system devices, such as gateways and switches. One embodiment also includes determining a quality of a communication link between the luminaire and one or more lighting system devices. One embodiment also includes estimating a location of at least one lighting system device based on a location of the luminaire and the quality of the communication link between the luminaire and the at least one lighting system device. One embodiment also includes estimating a location of at least one lighting system device based on locations of a plurality of lighting luminaires and a quality of a link between the at least one lighting system device and each of the plurality of lighting luminaires. That is, for example, trilateration between the lighting system device and the plurality of lighting luminaires can be used to estimate the location of the lighting system device.

[0082] One embodiment also includes discovering one or more gateways, where the discovering includes providing an IP address to the one or more gateways by a central controller and determining a location of each gateway, including the central controller being notified by each gateway when the gateway has received a message from at least one luminaire, where the message received from the at least one luminaire indicates that the at least one luminaire has received a communication from a user, where the central controller determines the location of the gateway based on the location of the luminaire. For one embodiment, if multiple gateways receive the message, a signal quality of the message is used to determine which gateway is closest to the at least one luminaire and, thus, the location of the closest gateway.

[0083] One embodiment includes sensing a presence of a user by the luminaire. For one embodiment, the presence of the user is sensed by a motion sensor.

[0084] For one embodiment, establishing the communication link includes providing the luminaire to the user with an indicator that the luminaire has received an initial communication from the user. For one embodiment, the communication is established between the luminaire and the user through a gated light. For one embodiment, the communication is established between the luminaire and the user through an RF signal, such as 802.15.4 or Zigbee.

[0085] For one embodiment, establishing communication between the luminaire and the user includes emitting, from the luminaire, luminaire modulated light having information providing an identification of the luminaire. That is, for example, for one embodiment, the luminaire operates to modulate light emitted from the luminaire with information that uniquely identifies the luminaire. For example, the information can include a MAC (Media Access Control) address or an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the luminaire. The user can have a mobile device owned by the user that demodulates the modulated light, thereby providing the mobile device with the identification information of the luminaire. This information, along with location information of the luminaire, can be communicated to the central controller, thereby allowing the central controller to record the identification information of the luminaire along with the location information of the luminaire.

[0086] One embodiment also includes the user directly communicating the location of the luminaire to the central controller. This communication can be one or more of several different forms. For one embodiment, the user directly enters the location information into the central controller. For another embodiment, the user communicates the location information to a second user that manually enters the location, for example, through a mobile device to mobile device via a cellular or WiFi network. For one embodiment, the user wirelessly communicates the location information through a network connected to the central controller. Again, the wireless communication can be cellular or WiFi. As previously described, for one embodiment, the mobile device and the central controller are the same device. For another embodiment, the luminaire directly communicates the location of the luminaire to the central controller.

[0087] As previously described, embodiments include a plurality of other luminaires automatically determining their locations based on the location of the luminaire. That is, once the location of several luminaires has been determined, these luminaires and their locations can be used to allow other luminaires to automatically determine their own locations based on receipt of messages from the location known luminaires. For example, the other luminaires can triangulate based on estimated distances between the other luminaires and the location known luminaires. The messages include the locations of the location known luminaires, and the distances can be estimated based on received signal strength of the messages.

[0088] One embodiment also includes a plurality of luminaires, wherein each luminaire automatically establishes communication between the luminaire and the user as the user travels in a structure including the plurality of luminaires, wherein each luminaire automatically determines its location based on the established communication. That is, for example, the user can simply "walk around" the structure. The luminaires automatically communicate with the mobile device. The location of the mobile device can be automatically communicated to the luminaires to allow each luminaire to estimate their locations. GPS within the mobile device can be used to determine the location of the user. When the mobile device is within a predetermined approximate distance of the luminaires, a communication link can be established between the mobile device and each luminaire.

[0089] A map or floor plan of the structure in which the luminaires are positioned can be utilized to assist the automatic position determination and grouping process. The map can be a photograph or illustration of a floor plan that highlights the relative positions of the luminaires. The mapped positions can be used to make the trilateration process more accurate. Once the positions are determined through trilateration, the estimated positions can be aligned with the known luminaire positions using an "align grid" process. The map and the determined positions can also be used to provide more information about the spaces within the structure, e.g., whether the spaces are offices, hallways, open areas, etc.

[0090] Lighting fixture receives beacon

[0091] Figure 10 A plurality of luminaires 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013 within a structure 1000 that receive beacons transmitted by a device (also referred to as an object or mobile device, as for some embodiments the device is mobile) 1030 are shown in accordance with one embodiment. While at least some of the described embodiments include luminaires that transmit beacons, at least some embodiments alternatively or additionally include one or more lighting luminaires that receive beacons from one or more devices.

[0092] As shown, the device (object) 1030 transmits a beacon that is received by at least a subset of the luminaires 1010, 1011, 1013. The luminaires receive the beacon and, using at least some of the information included in the beacon, one or more of the luminaires manage the received beacon.

[0093] For one embodiment, the power level of the signal transmitted from the device (object) 1030 is limited to be less than a threshold. By limiting the power level of the transmitted signal, the distance that the transmitted signal can be received by a luminaire is limited. For example, for one embodiment, the transmitted signal includes a low power wireless signal. Due to the transmitted signal being low power, if the device (object) 1030 is within a limited range (distance) from one or more of the luminaires, the one or more luminaires receive the beacon from the device (object) 1030. For one embodiment, the power level of the transmitted signal is set to be equal to or less than a threshold amount to ensure that the device (object) 1030 is within a specified range (distance) of the luminaires so that the luminaires receive the transmitted beacon. For example, the luminaires 1010, 1011, 1013 can receive the beacon transmitted from the device 1030, but the luminaire 1012 can not receive the beacon because the device 1030 is out of range of the luminaire 1012.

[0094] For at least some embodiments, the one or more luminaires operate to determine a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the received beacon, wherein the information associated with the object comprises at least a transmission power of the beacon, and wherein the one or more controllers associated with the one or more luminaires operate (locally and / or through a central or external controller) to estimate a distance between the luminaire and the object based on the RSSI of the received beacon and the transmission power of the beacon.

[0095] For at least some embodiments, the beacon comprises identification information that uniquely identifies the device (object) 1030 that transmitted the beacon. For at least some embodiments, the information associated with the object comprises at least one of: a transmission power of the beacon, a unique ID of the object, a remaining battery level of the object, or a manufacturer ID, a device model, or a communication protocol version.

[0096] In some environments, there can be devices that transmit beacons that are not managed by the luminaires. For at least some embodiments, the unique ID, a portion of the unique ID, or the manufacturer ID can be used to filter or ignore some received beacons. Filtering received beacons based on the manufacturer ID can have the advantage that it can be filtered without querying a database of unique ID data. Such a database either requires storage space on the controller or takes time to query whether it is stored in a separate controller.

[0097] For at least some embodiments, the information associated with the object comprises a sensed motion of the object. That is, the motion of the object is sensed and information of the sensed motion is included within the beacon transmitted by the object or mobile device. For one embodiment, the sensed motion comprises a sensed acceleration of the object. For example, an accelerometer associated with the object senses the motion or acceleration of the object. For one embodiment, a controller associated with the object includes the sensed acceleration in the beacon transmitted by the object.

[0098] For at least some embodiments, the one or more controllers associated with the luminaire operate to detect an orientation of the object when the object is stationary based on a magnitude and direction of the acceleration in a three-axis coordinate system. If the device is stationary, the gravity acts on the accelerometer in a direction perpendicular to the ground to produce a measurement equivalent to 1 G, while the other two perpendicular directions will have accelerations close to zero. It can be valuable to interpret the RSSI in an environment where the antenna has a transmission strength that varies with orientation if the device is rigidly attached to an object of interest that has a preferred orientation. If the device is rigidly attached to an object of interest that has a preferred orientation, the device orientation information can operate to indicate an alarm condition.

[0099] For at least some embodiments, the sensed acceleration of the object is used to detect whether the object is moving or stationary. A stationary object will exhibit very small changes in acceleration. The determination of whether the object is moving or not can be used to affect the rate at which the device transmits beacons. That is, for one embodiment, the sensed accelerometer data is used locally at the object to control the frequency of beacon message transmission. For one embodiment, if the object is determined to be stationary (which reduces the power requirements), the beacon transmission rate is lower. For one embodiment, when the object is determined to be moving, the beacon transmission rate is increased. For one embodiment, the device 1030 only transmits beacons when the motion sensor of the device 1030 senses motion of the device 1030. This advantageously saves power consumed by the device 1030 and the luminaires 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, as the device transmits beacons, and the luminaires 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013 only receive these beacons, which consumes power when the motion of the device 1030 is detected by motion detection.

[0100] For at least some embodiments, the information associated with the object includes at least one of: gyroscope data, magnetometer data, temperature data, air quality measurements.

[0101] For at least some embodiments, the one or more controllers associated with the one or more luminaires operate to estimate a distance between the luminaires and the object based in part on the RSSI of the received beacons, and the transmission power of the beacons, and wherein at least one of the controller and another controller operates to estimate a location of the object based on the estimated distance. That is, for example, each luminaire of a plurality of luminaires receives a beacon, and each luminaire estimates a distance between the object and the receiving luminaire. The location of the object can be estimated based on the known location of each receiving luminaire, and a trilateration based on the estimated distance between each receiving luminaire and the object.

[0102] RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is known to fluctuate based on multipath effects and interference from objects or structures in the area. These effects can increase the position error of trilateration positioning methods. Another embodiment includes determining position based on RSSI fingerprinting alternatively or additionally (that is, in addition to other positioning methods). In this method, the signal strength of multiple receivers is measured at samples of position and stored. During positioning (position determination), the stored values are compared to the currently measured values to find the best matching position. The stored RSSI values at a given position can be updated when the environment changes (e.g., furniture is moved). This update process can be performed from data captured while tracking a mobile device. In most cases, the tracked device will follow a smooth path that is connected. The most likely path can provide position data and RSSI records at sample positions on that path. These can be compared to the stored RSSI fingerprint and adapted when consistent changes are detected over time.

[0103] For at least some embodiments, position error is reduced by limiting objects from being positioned in areas that are not possible to travel (that is, areas that are crossed by a wall, or in general, on a non-navigable path). For at least some embodiments, the usual path of travel is learned from occupancy data derived from independent sensors, and from floor plan data that must be known for luminaire commissioning.

[0104] These object positioning methods apply to the described system configurations, that is, when beacons are transmitted from luminaires and received by mobile devices, or when beacons are transmitted by devices and received by luminaires.

[0105] For at least some embodiments, the sensed acceleration includes the magnitude and direction of acceleration of the object along one or more directions. Integrations of acceleration can be used to provide velocity estimates, and velocity integrations can be used to provide position estimates. However, errors accumulate quickly, so these estimates are used for short distance motion. These estimates can also be used in conjunction with RSSI-based position estimates to reduce the overall estimate error of a moving target.

[0106] Gyrometer data that measures device rotation and magnetometer data that is a compass for measuring absolute orientation can provide very useful data for position update estimates, and are often used with accelerometer data to reduce drift or improve the accuracy of position update estimates.

[0107] For one embodiment, the luminaire also operates to sense motion, and wherein the position of the object is determined only after motion is sensed. That is, for example, a motion sensor of the luminaire can sense motion, which provides a sense of occupancy of a room or structure in which the luminaire is positioned. One or more controllers receive the occupancy data and the received beacon data, and use the data together to produce a position estimate of the beacon. In particular, if the beacon data (the sensor at the beacon, the RSSI data of all sensors that receive the beacon) produces a new position estimate that corresponds to a position in which the luminaire did not sense motion, the new position will be considered a lower probability estimate than a position in which the luminaire has sensed motion.

[0108] Figure 11 A luminaire according to another embodiment is shown. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figure 2 but includes a controller 1135 of the luminaire 1102 that manages the reception of beacons rather than the transmission of beacons.

[0109] Figure 12 A luminaire according to another embodiment is shown. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figure 3 but includes a smart sensor CPU 1235 of the smart sensor system 1202 that manages the reception of beacons rather than the transmission of beacons.

[0110] Figure 13 is a flowchart of steps of a method that includes controlling a luminaire according to another embodiment. A first step 1310 includes generating, by a sensor of the luminaire, a sense signal based on at least one of sensed motion or light. A second step 1320 includes maintaining a communication link between the luminaire and a network. A third step 1330 includes managing communications with the network. A fourth step 1340 includes managing reception of a beacon by a wireless communication circuitry, wherein the beacon is received from an object, and the beacon includes information associated with the object. A fifth step 1350 includes generating a dimming control based on at least one of the sensed signal and the communications from the network. A sixth step 1360 includes adjusting a dimming control line of a light source of the luminaire based on the dimming control.

[0111] As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the information associated with the object includes at least one of a transmission power of the beacon, a unique ID of the object, or a remaining battery level of the object.

[0112] As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the luminaire operates to determine a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the received beacon, wherein the information associated with the object includes at least a transmission power of the beacon, and wherein the controller operates to estimate a distance between the luminaire and the object based on the RSSI of the received beacon, and the transmission power of the beacon.

[0113] As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the information associated with the object includes a sensed motion of the object, where the sensed motion includes a sensed acceleration of the object. For at least some embodiments, the sensed acceleration of the object affects the rate at which the object transmits beacons.

[0114] As previously described, for at least some embodiments, a distance between the luminaire and the object is estimated based on the RSSI of the received beacon, and the transmission power of the beacon, and a location of the object is estimated based on the estimated distance.

[0115] Figure 14 Multiple luminaires 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 that transmit beacons received by device 1430, and multiple luminaires 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 that receive beacons transmitted by device 1430 are shown in accordance with one embodiment. For example, luminaire 1410 transmits downlink (DL) beacons to device 1430 and receives uplink (UL) beacons transmitted by device 1430. Luminaire 1411 transmits downlink (DL) beacons to device 1430 and receives uplink (UL) beacons transmitted by device 1430. Luminaire 1413 transmits downlink (DL) beacons to device 1430 and receives uplink (UL) beacons transmitted by device 1430. However, luminaire 1412 transmits downlink (DL) beacons to device 1430 but does not receive uplink (UL) beacons transmitted by device 1430 because, for example, device 1430 is too far away from luminaire 1412. Transmission power levels of beacons transmitted in one direction can be more reliably received than beacons transmitted in the opposite direction. For example, beacons transmitted in the downlink direction can be more reliable than beacons transmitted in the uplink direction.

[0116] Two-way transmission of beacons between device 1430 and luminaires 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 provides better accuracy in determining the distance between device 1430 and each of luminaires 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413. Two-way transmission of beacons between device 1430 and luminaires 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 provides redundancy of information needed to determine the distance between device 1430 and luminaires 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413. For example, beacons can be transmitted from luminaires 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 at higher power levels. In addition, different wireless transmission protocols can be used in the uplink that are different from the transmission protocols used in the downlink.

[0117] At least some embodiments include adaptively determining which uplink beacons and downlink beacons provide better distance estimates, and correspondingly adaptively computing distances. That is, one direction can be selected exclusively for position determination, or position determination can adaptively adjust how much influence uplink beacons or downlink beacons have in the determination.

[0118] As shown, for one embodiment, the luminaires 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 are connected with a central interface to a cloud controller or server 1475. For at least some embodiments, distance computation is performed at least in part by the cloud server 1475.

[0119] While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, the described embodiments are not limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts so described and illustrated. The embodiments are limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A luminaire comprising: a sensor unit and a light intensity controller; wherein the sensor unit comprises: a sensor operative to generate a sensing signal based on at least one of a sensed motion or light; a communication circuitry operative to maintain a link with a network; a controller operative to: manage communication with the network; manage reception of a beacon through wireless communication circuitry, wherein the beacon is received from an object and the beacon comprises information associated with the object, wherein the information associated with the object comprises: a sensed motion of the object, the sensed motion comprising: a sensed acceleration of the object, wherein the luminaire is operative to determine a received signal strength indicator, RSSI, of the received beacon, and the controller is further operative to estimate a distance between the luminaire and the object based on the RSSI of the received beacon, wherein the sensed acceleration comprises a magnitude and a direction of acceleration of the object along one or more directions; wherein the controller is operative to compare the RSSI of the received beacon to a RSSI fingerprint, wherein the RSSI fingerprint comprises stored values at sampled locations, comparing the stored values to the RSSI of the received beacon to find a best matching location, wherein the sensed acceleration is used to provide a position estimate which is used in combination with the RSSI based position estimate, and wherein the controller is operative to detect an orientation of the object when stationary based on the magnitude and the direction of the acceleration in a three axis coordinate system, thereby interpreting the signal strength indicator, RSSI, of the received beacon by using the detected orientation of the object; generate a dimming control based on at least one of the sensed signal and communication from the network; wherein the controller is further operative to adaptively determine which uplink and downlink beacons provide better distance estimates and to adaptively calculate the distance between the luminaire and the object, such that one direction can be chosen exclusively for position determination, or position determination can adaptively adjust how much influence the uplink or downlink beacons have in the determination; and wherein the light intensity controller is configured to receive the dimming control and is operative to adjust an intensity of emitted light of a light source of the luminaire.

2. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the information associated with the object comprises: at least one of a unique ID of the object, or a remaining battery level of the object.

3. The luminaire of claim 2, wherein the unique ID allows filtering of received beacons.

4. The luminaire of claim 2, wherein the information associated with the object comprises at least a transmission power of the beacon, and wherein the controller is operative to estimate a distance between the luminaire and the object based on the RSSI of the received beacon, and the transmission power of the beacon.

5. The luminaire of claim 1, the controller further operative to detect an orientation of the object when stationary and a direction and magnitude of movement of the object based on a magnitude and direction of acceleration of the object along one or more directions.

6. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the sensed acceleration of the object affects a rate at which the object transmits the beacon.

7. The light fixture of claim 1 wherein the information associated with the object comprises: at least one of gyro data, magnetometer data, temperature data, air quality measurements.

8. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the controller is operative to estimate a distance between the luminaire and the object based on a received RSSI of the beacon and a transmission power of the beacon, and wherein at least one of the controller and another controller is operative to estimate a location of the object based on the estimated distance.

9. The luminaire of claim 8, wherein estimating the location of the object is further based on sensed motion data within the beacon.

10. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the controller is further operative to sense motion, and wherein the location of the object is determined only after the motion is sensed.

11. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein a power level of transmissions of the beacon from the object is limited to be less than a threshold value.

12. A method of operating a luminaire, comprising: generating, by a sensor of the luminaire, a sensing signal based on at least one of sensed motion or light; maintaining a communication link between the luminaire and a network; managing communications with the network; managing receipt of a beacon by wireless communication circuitry, wherein the beacon is received from an object and the beacon includes information associated with the object, wherein the information associated with the object includes sensed motion of the object, the sensed motion including sensed acceleration of the object along one or more directions, wherein the luminaire is operative to determine a received signal strength indicator, RSSI, of a received beacon and estimate a distance between the luminaire and the object based on the RSSI of the received beacon, wherein the sensed acceleration includes a magnitude and direction of acceleration of the object along one or more directions; wherein the RSSI of the received beacon is compared to an RSSI fingerprint, wherein the RSSI fingerprint includes stored values at sample locations, the stored values are compared to the RSSI of the received beacon to find a best matching location, wherein the sensed acceleration is used to provide a location estimate that is used in combination with the RSSI based location estimate, and wherein a controller is operative to detect an orientation of the object when stationary based on the magnitude and direction of the acceleration in a three axis coordinate system, thereby using the detected orientation of the object to interpret a received signal strength indicator, RSSI, of the beacon; generating a dimming control based on at least one of the sensed signal and communications from the network; wherein adaptively determining which uplink and downlink beacons provide better distance estimations and adaptively calculating the distance between the luminaire and the object enables to select one direction exclusively for position determination or the position determination can adaptively adjust how much influence the uplink or the downlink beacon has in this determination; and adjusting a dimming control line of a light source of the luminaire based on the dimming control.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the information associated with the subject comprises: at least one of a unique ID of the object or a remaining battery level of the object.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the information associated with the object comprises at least a transmission power of the beacon, and wherein the controller operates to estimate a distance between the luminaire and the object based on the received RSSI of the beacon and the transmission power of the beacon.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the sensed acceleration of the object influences a rate at which the object transmits the beacon.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: estimating a distance between the luminaire and the object based on the received RSSI of the beacon and the transmission power of the beacon, and estimating a position of the object based on the estimated distance. estimating a distance between the luminaire and the object based on the received RSSI of the beacon and the transmission power of the beacon, and estimating a position of the object based on the estimated distance.

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